NBA Round-Up: Kawhi Explodes For A 40-Piece Against Wolves; Knicks Thump Celtics

Last Updated:February 09, 2026, 07:41 IST

Kawhi Leonard scored 41 points as Los Angeles Clippers beat Minnesota Timberwolves 115-96, snapping a turbulent trade deadline.

Kawhi Leonard turned back the clock emphatically.

The two-time NBA champion poured in 41 points, pulled down eight rebounds and swiped four steals as the Los Angeles Clippers rolled past the Minnesota Timberwolves 115-96 on Sunday, snapping into life after a turbulent trade deadline.

Leonard, 34, matched the second-highest road scoring performance of his career as the Clippers improved to 25-27, flashing authority on both ends from the opening tip.

“Just being aggressive. My teammates trust me," Leonard said. “Every moment when I touch the ball — assist, shooting the basketball or getting a rebound — I’m just trying to help the team win."

That intent showed immediately. Leonard recorded three consecutive steals early in the first quarter, setting the defensive tone and igniting transition opportunities.

“I just wanted to come out early and set a tone," he added. “I reached for the ball, I got it, and we got off in transition."

Despite trading away James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the deadline, the Clippers played with renewed energy as they await reinforcements.

“We’ve got a good group," Leonard said. “Guys are level-headed. They love to play basketball. We’re just competing every night."

Leonard had 24 points by halftime as Los Angeles closed the second quarter on a decisive 20-6 run to take a 54-42 lead, one they never relinquished.

Minnesota, meanwhile, continued to sputter. Days after Rudy Gobert publicly criticised his teammates’ effort as “unacceptable," the Timberwolves delivered their second-lowest scoring performance of the campaign. Anthony Edwards led them with 23 points, while Julius Randle added 17.

Tempers flared late when Clippers guard Kris Dunn was ejected after shoving Randle, briefly sparking a scuffle before teammates intervened.

Elsewhere in the NBA

Jalen Brunson starred as the New York Knicks thumped Boston 111-89 for their ninth win in 10 games. Brunson finished with 31 points and eight assists as New York improved to 34-19, level with the Celtics for second in the East.

Miami cruised past Washington 132-101 behind Bam Adebayo’s 22 points, while Toronto defeated Indiana 122-104 as Scottie Barnes posted 25 points and 14 rebounds.

(with AFP inputs)

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